The University of Guelph was recognized by the local United Way with major awards for its 2016 campaign.

The announcements were made today during a luncheon hosted by United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.

This year, the U of G community has raised $625,000, with donations still being counted, for one of its most successful United Way fundraising drives.

The University met its $600,000 goal earlier this month, but continued to receive individual pledges and event receipts.

U of G received the “Campaign of the Year Award” for the public sector, and won the Leadership Award for the workplace with the largest annual increase in donors giving more than $1,000.

The Department of Physical Resources won the “Joint Union-Management Award,” and the departments of Hospitality Services and Student Housing Services won “Education Division Spirit Awards.”

The U of G campaign exceeded $600,000 for the fifth year in a row and raised more than a half-million dollars for the seventh time.

The University of Guelph’s major role in the region’s annual fundraising campaign earned it the “Campaign of the Year” award in the public sector category.

U of G is one of the largest contributors to the regional United Way annual campaign. This year’s regional campaign raised more than $3.6 million.

“I’m extremely pleased with the dedication and passion our community has for the United Way campaign,” said Patricia Tersigni, director of academic programs and policy in the provost’s office and campaign co-chair.

“The money raised goes to support those in our community – our family, friends and neighbours – and it’s gratifying to see the support the campaign receives from students, faculty, staff and even our retirees.”

University campaign co-chair Catherine Carstairs, professor and chair of the history department, said she was impressed with the number of events that took place on campus.

“Raising a record amount of money is a tribute to the type of community that the University of Guelph is,” she said.

“What I found just as exciting was the excitement the community had; there were many events on campus and we had a number of speakers from supported agencies visit. Our hope is that people will continue to support these important agencies, both with their time and dollars, throughout the year to come.”